Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
Watch Live

Meeting Planned On Calif. School's Arab Mascot

THERMAL, Calif. — A special meeting will be held to discuss the growing controversy over a Southern California high school's longstanding Arab mascot.

The Desert Sun reports Tuesday that the Coachella Valley Unified School Board had planned to address the issue at a regular Nov. 21 meeting, but decided to hold a special meeting Friday to allow more time for discussion.

Coachella Valley High School's mascot has been around since the 1920s. It was chosen to recognize the area's reliance on date farming, traditionally a Middle Eastern crop. The mascot has evolved from a turban-wearing horseman carrying a lance to a standing figure with a snarl on its face and sporting a headscarf.

Advertisement

Recently, an anti-discrimination group demanded that the school get rid of the mascot.

Superintendent Darryl Adams said the mascot was never intended to ridicule anyone.

A big decision awaits some voters this July as the race for San Diego County’s Supervisor District 1 seat heats up. Are you ready to vote? Check out the KPBS Voter Hub to learn about the candidates, the key issues the board is facing and how you can make your voice heard.